NKMAX to Make a 'Quantum Jump' in the U.S., the Main Stage for Biopharmaceuticals

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] NKMAX, a company specializing in the research and development of NK cell-based immuno-oncology drugs (SuperNK), announced on the 16th that it will focus all its energy on its U.S. business this year to leap forward as a major player in the global immuno-oncology market.

NKMAX is currently conducting three clinical trials across three countries. First, in South Korea, it is conducting a domestic Phase 1/2a clinical trial to verify the safety and efficacy of SuperNK in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, with plans to administer the drug to the last patient within the second quarter. In the United States, a Phase 1 clinical trial of SuperNK is underway targeting patients with refractory cancers, with drug administration to the last patient imminent. Lastly, in Mexico, a Phase 1 clinical trial is being conducted on patients with psoriasis. Drug administration to the last patient was completed in November last year, and results are expected to be announced in the second quarter of this year.

An NKMAX official stated, "We have submitted an abstract to present interim clinical results from the U.S. Phase 1 and domestic Phase 1/2a clinical trials at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)." He added, "This society is known as the largest international oncology conference, and if the abstract is accepted and clinical data can be disclosed externally, it will be a great opportunity to elevate NKMAX’s status in both academia and industry."

CEO Sangwoo Park explained, "In the U.S., research and development of immuno-oncology drugs using NK cells as an alternative to overcome the limitations of T-cell therapies is actively underway, with over 500 such studies. Since the announcement of interim results from the Phase 1 clinical trial of Fate Therapeutics, which is listed on NASDAQ, the industry has been paying more attention to NK cell research. This is why that company currently enjoys a high valuation with a market capitalization of approximately 2 trillion KRW."

He emphasized, "This year, we plan to successfully complete Phase 1 clinical trials while advancing Phase 2 trials, and also conduct additional clinical studies to confirm antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in combination therapy groups. We will accelerate clinical trials of allogeneic NK cell immuno-oncology drugs as well."

He concluded, "Starting from the U.S. Phase 2 clinical trial, to ensure smooth and stable progress locally, we completed a GMP facility in the U.S. last September, obtained pharmaceutical manufacturing approval from the state of California, and are currently conducting test operations for full-scale production. We are also dedicating efforts to CAR-NK immuno-oncology drug research, aiming to make 2020 a year of quantum leap comparable to global bio companies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.